KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes provides day and overnight activities for kids during the summer months of July and August, with a focus on delivering top-notch experiences both on and off the ice, according to its website.
However, the camp faced controversy this summer as one of its main instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, recently admitted to assaulting children, as confirmed by his lawyer in April. Due to a court ban, further details cannot be disclosed by CBC News.
Despite being described as an active coach and mentor on the camp’s website, Gibbs decided to step down following inquiries from CBC News. The camp informed parents via email that they had supported Gibbs through a personal legal issue, without specifying whether they were aware of his guilty pleas.
Currently, there is no mandatory Ontario legislation requiring summer camps to conduct background checks on staff working with children. However, the government has announced plans to enforce criminal background checks for summer camps following this incident.
The Ontario Camps Association mandates its accredited members to conduct criminal record checks on staff. Nonetheless, since membership is voluntary, camps like KL Hockey are not obligated to adhere to these standards.
Gibbs, who remains employed by Durham Regional Police, has been reassigned to an administrative role pending the outcome of his criminal case. The lack of legal requirements for summer camps to vet staff has raised concerns, with experts suggesting the need for vulnerable sector checks for individuals working with children.
‘Big gap’ in Ontario legislation for summer camps: lawyer
An adult victim of Gibbs expressed concern over his involvement at KL Hockey, highlighting the absence of stringent regulations in the summer camp sector. Legal experts recommend implementing legislation that ensures summer camps screen employees through vulnerable sector checks.
While day camps for younger children require staff to undergo background checks, camps for older children currently have no such obligations under the Ministry of Education. The Ministry declined to comment on this issue.
Despite the lack of legal mandates, experts emphasize the importance of camps conducting thorough vetting to ensure the safety of children in their care.
KL Hockey ‘supported’ Gibbs through challenging period
The camp director stated that Gibbs voluntarily stepped down from his duties at KL Hockey due to ongoing legal issues. Although KL Hockey acknowledged Gibbs’ personal situation, they did not explicitly mention his criminal charges or guilty pleas in their communication with parents.
Gibbs, in a letter to the camp, expressed regret for his actions and the impact on the community. He emphasized his commitment to accountability and apologized for any breach of trust.
Parents are advised to inquire about staff vetting procedures at camps to ensure a safe environment for their children. While KL Hockey is not affiliated with the Ontario Camps Association, parents can refer to the OCA standards for guidance in choosing a camp.
Experts stress the need for transparency and thorough background checks in the absence of stringent regulations, urging parents to actively engage in understanding how camps vet their staff.
Tag: rewrite-done